Abstract: In the formation of the neoclassicism integrating the Yuan's and Southern and Northern Dynasties' retro ethos, Zhao Mengfu, known for his literary and artistic talents, played a pivotal role because of his opportunities to travel between South China and Dadu, the then capital, and to mix with his contemporary literati and artists, thus becoming an archetype of an artist featuring the trinity of poetry, calligraphy and painting. His "conception of antiquity", his understanding of the "Tang approach and Jin rhyme" and his high-brow, superbly skilled painting contains his valuation of classicality, naturalness, tradition, and innovativeness, informing the trend of the trinity of poetry, calligraphy and painting in the Yuan Dynasty. If "conception of antiquity" represents an integration of traditional Confucian spirit and norms, which makes possible innovation, then his exaltation of the "Tang approach and Jin thyme", which regards poetic refined taste and artistic discrimination, points to the literary concept that blends culture, techniques and aesthetic experience.

Key words: Zhao Mengfu, trinity of poetry, calligraphy and painting, neo-classicism, aspects